OUTPUT

Output Devices

  • Output: Data that has been processed into a useful form.

    • Output Device: Any hardware component that can convey information to the user.

Display Devices

  • Display Device: An output device that visually conveys information.

    • Information displayed is sometimes referred to as soft copy.

    • Monitor: Houses display device and operates as a separate peripheral.

LCD Monitors

  • LCD Monitor: Uses liquid crystal display technology.

    • Benefits: Smaller footprint than traditional monitors.

    • Mobile Devices with LCD: Include notebook computers, tablet PCs, PDAs, and smartphones.

Multiple Monitors

  • Using Multiple LCD Monitors: Many users position two or more monitors side by side or stacked.

    • This setup allows users to run multiple applications simultaneously.

Resolution

  • Resolution: Refers to the sharpness and clarity of an image.

    • Higher resolution results in sharper images and allows for more text to be displayed on the screen.

Connecting LCD Monitors

  • Connection: LCD monitor can be plugged into the Digital Video Interface (DVI) port or standard monitor port.

    • Options include S-video port and DVI port.

HDTV and Interactive TV

  • HDTV (High-Definition Television): Supports two-way communication technology allowing user interaction with TV programming.

    • Features include the ability to bank, vote, or respond to network questionnaires, and select movies from a central library.

CRT Monitors

  • CRT Monitor: Contains a cathode-ray tube (CRT).

    • The screen is coated with tiny dots of phosphor material (red, blue, green).

    • Common sizes include 15, 17, 19, 21, and 22 inches (viewable size is diagonal measurement of the screen).

ENERGY STAR Program

  • ENERGY STAR Program: Encourages manufacturers to create energy-efficient devices.

    • Devices meeting guidelines display an ENERGY STAR label.

Printers

  • Printer: An output device producing text and graphics on paper, resulting in a hard copy or printout.

    • Print orientations: Portrait and landscape.

Printer Selection Criteria

  • Considerations when choosing a printer:

    • Speed, budget, color vs. black and white, paper types and sizes, photo printing capabilities, graphics capabilities, system compatibility, and wireless capabilities.

Nonimpact Printers

  • Nonimpact Printer: Forms characters and graphics without striking paper.

    • Example: Ink-jet printer, sprays tiny drops of liquid ink onto paper.

    • Capable of printing in black-and-white or color on various paper types.

Printer Resolution

  • Printer Resolution: Measures sharpness and clarity.

    • Typically represented by dots per inch (dpi); higher dpi means greater detail.

Photo Printers

  • Photo Printer: A type of color printer designed to produce photo-lab-quality pictures.

Laser Printers

  • Laser Printer: A high-speed, high-quality nonimpact printer.

    • Known for printing text and graphics at very high resolutions (1,200 to 2,400 dpi).

    • Generally more expensive but faster than ink-jet printers.

Thermal Printers

  • Thermal Printer: Generates images by pushing electrically heated pins against heat-sensitive paper.

    • Dye-sublimation Printer: Uses heat to transfer dye to specially coated paper; suitable for professional and home use.

Mobile Printers

  • Mobile Printer: A small, lightweight, battery-powered printer for printing from mobile devices like notebook computers or PDAs while traveling.

Label Printers

  • Label Printer: Small printer that prints on adhesive material.

    • Example: Postage printer with built-in scale for printing postage stamps; often includes barcode printing capabilities.

Plotters

  • Plotter: A sophisticated printer used for producing high-quality drawings and large-format photo-realistic prints.

Dot-Matrix Printers

  • Dot-Matrix Printer: Impact printer producing images when tiny wire pins strike a ribbon.

    • Forms characters by pressing an inked ribbon against paper.

Line Printers

  • Line Printer: High-speed impact printer that prints entire lines at one time.

    • Speed is measured in lines per minute (lpm).

    • Types include band printers and shuttle matrix printers.

Audio Output Devices

  • Audio Output Device: Computer component that produces audio, including music, speech, or sounds.

    • Common devices: Speakers and headsets.

Voice Output

  • Voice Output: Enables computers to deliver spoken content through speakers.

    • Internet Telephony allows conversations over the web.

Facsimile (Fax) Machines

  • Fax Machine: Device for transmitting and receiving documents over telephone lines.

Multifunction Peripherals

  • Multifunction Peripheral: Combines the functionality of printers, scanners, copiers, and fax machines.

Data Projectors

  • Data Projector: Device that takes images from a computer screen and projects them onto a larger screen.

Force Feedback

  • Force Feedback: Technology that sends resistance to input devices like joysticks in response to user actions.

Magnifier Command

  • Windows Magnifier: Command that enlarges text and other items on the screen for better visibility.

Output Options for Visually Impaired Users

  • Options include:

    • Changing Windows settings for better visibility (text size/color).

    • Voice output technology for blind users.

    • Braille Printer: Outputs information in Braille format.